Limes are rich in Vitamin C and are common ingredients found in the kitchen.

You can find a lot of videos online of people feeding their cats limes to film their reaction to the sour fruit. Some videos are downright hilarious while others aren’t that impressive.

But, are limes safe for cats?

Some common kitchen ingredients such as nutmegs, grapes, onions, tomatoes, etc. can wreak havoc on your cat’s system and can even be potentially fatal. So, it is a good idea to ask your vet or look up food before feeding it to your cat.

In this blog post, I will answer the question, “Can cats have limes?” in as much detail as possible.

Let’s take a look.

Can Cats Have Limes or Lemons Without Any Problems?

In this section of the blog, I will go through whether or not cats can have limes or lemons without any aversive reactions.

Let’s take a look!

Can Cats Have Lemons?

It is true that cats aren’t big fans of the sour taste of lemons. However, that’s not the only reason why you should keep your furry friend away from them.  

According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, lemons are toxic to cats as well as dogs and horses. They contain psoralen compounds as well as aromatic oils which are poisonous for our furry pets.

Getting some lemon on the paw will lead your kitty to experience adverse side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and unusual sensitivity to light.

Limes

Limes and lemons are cousins.

Just like with lemons, according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, these fruits are toxic to canines as well. So, the lime tree growing in your backyard should be off-limits for your furry friend.  

Consumption of time can lead to aversive side effects such as vomiting, sensitivity to light, and diarrhea. These effects worsen if your kitty consumes lime in excessive amounts.

So, it is a good idea to keep your pooch as far away from limes as possible.

How to Treat Lime Exposure in Cats

If your furry friend has helped himself to small amounts of lime or lime juice, the effects that you’ll see will be mild.

However, you should not feed your cat for at least 24 hours but, provide him with as much water as he needs as the water will help your cat flush out the toxins from his body.

In case your cat consumes excessive amounts of lime or lime juice, the cat will suffer from extreme diarrhea and vomiting. In this case, I would advise you to seek veterinary help as soon as you can.

If your cat’s skin has been exposed to lime leaves or peels, your cat will still need treatment.

Your cat absorbs toxins through his skin as well.

So, he may develop skin rashes and other conditions. The most affected area is the groin in these cases.

To treat skin exposure, bathe your cat with soap and water until you can’t smell the citrus. Try to keep your cat warm and if you notice any aversive symptoms, seek help immediately.

Final Words: Can Cats Have Limes?

No, cats cannot have limes as they are toxic to them.

You should keep your furry friend as far away from limes as you possibly can. In fact, even skin exposure to a lime plant can have aversive consequences.

The symptoms to look out for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sensitivity to sunlight

Treating lime exposure in cats is essential.

Did I answer all of your questions? If not, let me know in the comments section, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.